10 Best Period Underwear For Sustainable Menstruation

Have you considered making the switch to period underwear? I have and I’ll never go back! They are so comfy and I love the fact I can just wash and reuse them. It’s an initial investment up front, but they truly pay for themselves in the end. If I’m having a heavier flow, I can just pair them up with reusable period pads and get double the coverage. Here are the best period underwear on the market – and why you should consider making the switch if you haven’t yet!

FYI, this is a guest post written by Sydney Montagna, a zero waste advocate and aspiring writer. Intro was written by Ariana Storniolo. This post contains affiliate links. This means if you choose to purchase one of these items I will make a very small commission at no extra charge to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

10 Best Period Underwear For Sustainable Menstruation

What’s the best brand of period underwear?

The best brand of period underwear is any brand that makes their products ethically and sustainably using natural, organic, + recycled materials. The good thing about period underwear is that they’re reusable, which will already help keep disposable pads and tampons out of landfills. 

Here are some eco-friendly features to look for when purchasing period underwear:

• Sustainable materials – Look for period underwear made from organic cotton, bamboo viscose, Tencel modal, or any material that is recycled and harvested ethically. 
• Certifications – Be on the lookout for any certifications that symbolize sustainable and ethical product manufacturing. Such as GOTS, B-Corp, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and Plastic Negative. If a brand has any of these certifications, it means they create their products with sustainability, employee and charity benefits in mind.
• Charity – It’s important to support companies that give back to their community. If a brand donates proceeds to a nonprofit, funds sustainable organizations, or donates their products to the less fortunate- it’s usually a telltale that they’re a respectable company worth shopping from.

Approximately 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are discarded each year. Most of these will end up in landfills, while the rest clog sewers and pollute our oceans. Tampon applicators alone take at least 20 years to break down in marine environments.

While the physical waste of menstrual products is a relevant issue, the largest environmental issue is the processing of raw materials in their production. Pads are made from mostly plastic- specifically low-density polyethylene that requires energy-intensive processing. Considering the life span of each pad, an enormous amount of fossil fuel emissions are used, unnecessarily harming the environment. 

If you have to choose between a pad or tampon, a tampon without a plastic applicator is the most environmentally friendly option. However, there’s a plethora of new and improved, eco-friendly period products for you to choose from nowadays, making regular pads and tampons almost unnecessary. 

Do gynecologists recommend period underwear?

Many gynecologists recommend period underwear for their patients because of the fact they’re comfortable and cost effective. They can be worn like normal underwear or paired with a menstrual cup, pad, or tampon if you feel you need the extra support. 

According to an OBGYN with extensive training and over 20 years experience, he advised his patients with heavy menstrual bleeding or incontinence to wear period underwear. Not only are they discrete and comfortable, they’re also a safe alternative to traditional menstrual products.

For example, wearing tampons for an extended period of time is a potential cause of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). It’s a rare, potentially fatal, disease that occurs when harmful bacterial toxins enter the bloodstream. The chances of experiencing TSS are significantly lower when wearing period underwear. As long as you’re being sanitary and change your period underwear on a regular basis, they’re one of the safest options out there regarding menstrual products.

What are the drawbacks of period underwear?

While period underwear is a great alternative to less eco-friendly menstrual product options, it’s not excluded from having some cons along with the pros. Although it depends on the person and what they’re comfortable dealing with, here are a few drawbacks of period underwear:

• Washing them – Since period underwear is reusable and worn like regular underwear, that means you need to add it into your laundry routine. Some people prefer to hand wash while others throw them into their normal laundry load. Ideally, most brands recommend hand rinsing them before tossing them in your wash using a gentle cycle. It may seem daunting since we’re talking about blood here, but it really depends on how heavy your flow is. 
• Odor – This one isn’t a huge issue, but it’s still worth mentioning. There shouldn’t be a distinct odor if you’re hygienic and take proper care of your period undies. However, if you aren’t using a pad, tampon, or menstrual cup as back-up, there’s always a chance an odor can slip through. It’s completely natural and just something to keep an eye out for. 
• Changing in public – Since period underwear isn’t disposable, it may seem more difficult to change them while out in public. While there are some period undies that can absorb up to 9 tampons worth, you may feel ready to change them in the middle of the day. So this may require carrying around an extra pair, which can be seen as inconvenient. It’s suggested to carry around a silicone baggie to stuff them in until you can get home and rinse them out there.

Is it OK to wear period underwear all the time?

Yes, it’s definitely OK to wear period underwear all the time! Period underwear is worn like any normal underwear, the only difference is the extra absorbency. They can also be extremely helpful with spotting, discharge, or even urine (in case of accidents). 

The Period Company offers a separate line of underwear just for pee leaks. It’s a great option for elders, postpartum care, and those with bladder issues.

Do period underwear smell?

Despite period underwear being super absorbent and made sustainably, it’s still underwear at the end of the day. So anyone is susceptible to some sort of odor if menstrual blood is mixed with bacteria. But as long as you’re cleaning your underwear and yourself consistently, then there shouldn’t be a noticeable odor.

How do you know when your period underwear is full?

Well, how do you know when your pad or tampon is full? It’s something that you become intuitive about. Maybe you’ll feel your underwear padding get a bit heavy or it won’t feel as absorbent as it did when you first put it on. It’s definitely something you can feel out as you go.

You can also look out for wetness, stiffness, and skin irritation. Period underwear made with eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton help your skin breathe, making things less tight down there. It’s most likely easier to feel full underwear rather than a full bulky pad. 

Do you bleed less with period underwear?

You don’t necessarily bleed less while wearing period underwear, as it all just depends on how heavy your flow is. But based on that information, you can choose the best period underwear for you. Maybe your flow is on the lighter side and you can get away with wearing a thong style of period underwear. Or maybe your flow is on the heavier side and you need a pair with 9 tampons worth of absorbency. 

One of the best things about period underwear is that there’s an option for everyone. There’s a choice for every situation and every flow level.

The best period underwear brands

Okay, so now that you know what to look for, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite brands that produce sustainable period undies!

Photo credit: Period Aisle

Photo credit: Knix

Photo credit: @ThePeriodCompany

Photo credit: @ShopRubyLove

Photo credit: @ModiBodi

Photo credit: @Saalt

Photo credit: @Bambody

Photo credit: @GoatUnion

Photo credit: @Wuka

So, which of these period underwear brands appeals to you most? Let me know in the comments!

For more sustainable period inspo, check out these zero waste period products!

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